BECOME A BIG
If you would like to apply for the Community-Based or Sports Buddies program, CLICK HERE to complete an application.
If you would like to apply for the Site-Based program, CLICK HERE to complete an application.
If you would like to apply for the mentor2.0 program, CLICK HERE to complete an application.
If you wish to talk further before applying, please email us at Biginfo@bbbspgh.org.
Once we receive your application, an Enrollment Specialist will be assigned to help you with all of your enrollment needs.
All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer training to learn more about BBBS before acceptance as a Big.
Once you apply, an Enrollment Specialist will reach out to schedule an in-person interview. Prior to scheduling, we require all volunteers to complete their Child Abuse History Clearance, Criminal Record Check, and FBI Fingerprints. Your Enrollment Specialist will share more information on each of these background checks.
Following the completion of your interview, training, background checks, and references, your file will be reviewed for approval.
Matches are made based on shared interests, proximity, and preferences. An Enrollment and Match Specialist will reach out to you when a match is found.
We believe that all children should have the opportunity to succeed in life and live up to their full potential. Some kids need someone to help them along that path.
We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers especially are in high demand.
For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their life.
Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential.
But don’t just take it from us. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @BBBSPGH for some amazing stories of what it means to be a role model. And if you still have questions, feel free to scroll down to our FAQs or reach out to our customer service representative.
OUR PROGRAMS
HOW IT WORKS
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STEP 6
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mentoring is the act of providing guidance and friendship to someone who could use a role model for life's choices and decisions. Through mentoring, volunteers can help others reach goals and improve self-esteem. When mentoring children, volunteers offer to help build a strong foundation for youth as they grow.
Someone volunteers to develop a relationship with a young person, offering support and guidance. By spending time together, learning new things, and enjoying friendship, the mentor helps the young person make better life choices.
Big Brothers Big Sisters pioneered youth mentoring in 1904. We are the industry leader in mentoring services to children. An independent national study surveyed our programs and methods spanning a five-year period. This research found that children involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs were more likely to graduate and stay out of trouble when compared to their peers without mentors. They also found that youth enrolled in our program improved their school grades and relationships with others.
Our program has proven results.
We serve youth throughout Allegheny, Greene, and Washington Counties.
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!
If you are a community-based Big, be sure to request access to our Bigs Only section for exclusive access to event tickets.
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.
In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel left out. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
MAKE A DONATION
Donating online is the fastest, easiest way to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission and help a child. Your financial support allows us to keep doing what we do: empowering kids in your community to achieve their potential. So start a child on their way to becoming an engineer or an artist. All it takes is the click of a mouse.
DONATE
REFER A FRIEND
You can help to "pass it on" by referring friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to the BBBSPGH program. We especially need men to serve as Big Brothers for the boys in our community. Simply complete the contact information and submit it for follow-up. Our Customer Relations Specialist will contact your referral within 48 hours to find out about their level of interest.
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